The first annual Women in Sarcoma gala was held virtually on Thursday, December 10th, 2020. It was a fantastic evening where the Life Raft Group celebrated some phenomenal women within the community. There were over 120 people registered and over $30,000 raised through sponsorships from Credit Suisse, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley and Pfizer plus individual donations from the Life Raft Group’s GEMs and others.
Diana Nieves, Senior Director of Outreach & Engagement, acknowledged our sponsors and donors and kicked off the Gala. Diana was followed by Senior Vice President of the LRG, Laura Occhiuzzi, who welcomed the participants. Vice President of Programs, Sara Rothschild, shared sentiments about the vibrant and powerful Nikki Morales, patient and volunteer advocate, whose loving memory the event was held in. Mistress of Ceremonies, Dr. Monica “mOe’ Anderson provided a motivating speech about her own journey as a GIST warrior.
Diana Nieves, Laura Occhiuzzi, and Sara Rothschild
Jessica Nowak
Dr. mOe Anderson
The gala continued with Dr. mOe inspiring everyone through her introductions of each awardee – Denise Reinke, Dr. Gina D’Amato, Dr. Breelyn Wilky, Dr. Lillian Klug, and GISTers MaKayla Evans and Florence Thwagi. Each awardee shared their personal stories about inspirations throughout their own journeys. During the gala we were also entertained by Jessica Nowak, LRG’s Director of the Outreach and Engagement department, who provided a mixology lesson on a Classic Negroni, an alcoholic beverage that was created by Dr. Sandra D’Angelo to honor Dr. D’Amato and Dr. Wilky. There was also a dance performance by the Henzo Kenya group.
If you would like to support the continuation of the Women in Sarcoma program, please donate.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
